Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins reportedly still dealing with foot injury

Frank Schwab
·NFL writer

Now we know why the Kansas City Chiefs signed receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who was cut by the offensively-challenged Buffalo Bills.

On Friday there were reports about receiver Sammy Watkins and his foot injury. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star said Watkins is out four-to-six weeks, though he clarified that’s including the three weeks Watkins has missed already. That came after Carrington Harrison, of Sports Radio 610, said Watkins reinjured his foot in practice Thursday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Watkins couldn’t go in practice Thursday because of his foot and “the best option is likely to rest until January.”

Despite some differences in the reports, it appears the Chiefs will be without another key offensive piece for at least a little while longer.

Sammy Watkins has been key part of Chiefs offense

Watkins hasn’t played since Nov. 19 against the Rams, when he caught one pass and left with an injury.

Watkins has 519 yards and three touchdowns this season. He has been a big piece of an offense that is led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a top MVP candidate. The Chiefs are 10-2, but still just one game ahead of the Chargers in the AFC West.

The Chiefs have Tyreek Hill at receiver and a great tight end in Travis Kelce, but not a ton of pass catchers beyond them now that Watkins is out. The Chiefs also lost running back Kareem Hunt, who was cut when a video of him shoving and kicking a woman was released.

The Chiefs still have a stellar offense, but they’ve lost two key playmakers. Hunt is permanently gone, and Watkins reportedly isn’t ready to return.

Chiefs still have a lot to play for

The Chiefs have been the best team in the AFC this season, but they still have a lot of work to do over the last four weeks. With a loss or two, they could lose the AFC West or the chance to get the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Kansas City plays Baltimore and its fantastic pass defense this week, then has a crucial AFC West showdown with the Chargers next Thursday.

It seems they’ll be without Watkins for a while longer. That makes the rest of the regular season more challenging, depending on when he can come back.

Sammy Watkins (14) will reportedly miss more time with a foot injury. (AP)
Sammy Watkins (14) will reportedly miss more time with a foot injury. (AP)

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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